Rizzoli & Isles: Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen: Review

Is it a terrible thing to admit I have never read a Rizzoli & Isles book before? I have seen the show though if that even counts! Plus, I have read another Tess Gerritsen book that was awesome and a 5 star read for me! That one is what spurred me to grab this one for review.

So mark me down as no longer a Rizzoli & Isles virgin and check out my thoughts on this upcoming book below.

Rizzoli & Isles: Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen
Publisher ‏: ‎ Ballantine Books (July 5, 2022)
ISBN-13 : ‎ 978-0593497135

OVERVIEW:
Mothers know best . . . But who will listen?

Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles are newly plagued by what seems like a completely senseless murder. Sofia Suarez, a widow, and nurse who was universally liked by her neighbors, lies bludgeoned to death in her own home. But anything can happen behind closed doors, and Sofia seemed to have plenty of secrets in her last days, making covert phone calls to traceless burner phones. When Jane finally makes a connection between Sofia and the victim of a hit-and-run from months earlier, the case only grows more blurry. What exactly was Sofia involved in? One thing is clear: The killer will do anything it takes to keep their secret safe.

Meanwhile, Angela Rizzoli hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in all the years since her daughter became a homicide detective. Maybe the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree: Nothing in Angela’s neighborhood gets by her—not the gossip about a runaway teenager down the block and definitely not the strange neighbors who have just moved in across the street. Angela’s sure there’s no such thing as coincidence in her sleepy suburb. If only Jane would listen—instead she writes off Angela’s concerns as the result of an overactive imagination. But Angela’s convinced there’s a real wolf in her vicinity, and her cries might now fall on deaf ears.

With so much happening on the Sofia case, Jane and Maura already struggle to see the forest for the trees, but will they lose sight of something sinister happening much closer to home?

Rizzoli & Isles: Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen Review

I really enjoy police procedural books and with the knowledge of the basic storyline, I was looking forward to this book. Add in the fact that the main characters are female and you got me.

This book is written with what seemed like two different stories in one. On one hand, we have the crime-solving detective and MA working on a big case. On the other side, we have a slightly annoying mother trying to solve problems in her own neighborhood and just stirring the pot.

The balance between the two situations seemed a bit off to me. It almost broke the concentration every time mother got involved but as the story continued you could feel where it was headed.

Interesting blends of situations allowed for the story to evolve into a series of twists and detours that made you stop and think. Not everything is at it seems and that is the beauty of a Gerritsen novel. Read between the lines for the true story.

A mixture of quirky characters, mystery, and crime-solving activities, not to mention a few laughs too. I wish there was a bit more of Maura in this story. It seemed very light and even a bit dry on her part and I enjoy her character the most.

4 STARS!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.